Neck Arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis) - Trigger Point Therapy

Cervical Spondylosis 

Torsional Release for Trigger Points in the Neck 

Most cases of neck arthritis respond well to conservative treatment

Cervical spondylosis is extremely common. More than 85 percent of people over the age of 60 are affected.

The condition most often causes pain and stiffness in the neck—although many people with cervical spondylosis experience no noticeable symptoms.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in most cases, cervical spondylosis responds well to conservative treatment.

Neck arthritis can manifest for a number of reasons including, genetic (inherited), occupational and/or historic trauma.

Cervical spondylosis is also known as arthritis of the neck.

It is caused by the degeneration or “wear and tear” of the cervical spine, including the joints between the bones and the discs between the vertabrae of the neck. Abnormal spurs or growths on the edges of the vertabrae called osteophytes may also contribute to this condition.

This is all part of the normal degeneration process that the body goes through as a result of ageing. In many people, these changes won’t bring about any symptoms. For others, these degenerative changes may put pressure on the spinal nerves as they exit the spinal cord through openings called foramenae.

Although cervical spondylosis is a form of arthritis, it is unusual for it to become the type that is disabling or crippling. However, an arthritic neck can sometimes cause unpleasant symptoms including a sudden "locking: pain; aching in the neck and skull; and neck stiffness in the morning, or after sitting for a long time.

Neck arthritis can manifest for a number of reasons including, genetic (inherited), occupational and/or historic trauma. Whatever the cause, the body is forced to react, as your body wants to protect you. When the neck bones become stiff the multitude of local little muscles can’t extend to their full capacity. This leads to a type of ‘muscular frustration’ and knots develop in these muscles, which are also known as trigger points.

Trigger Point Therapy - Neck Arthritis

Trigger points in the neck muscles cause them to be shorter, tighter and tenser and can ‘live’ in muscles for years if untreated. Treating these trigger points can deliver both short and long term relief.

In cases of neck arthritis we usually look to treat trigger points in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, semispinalis capitis, splenius cervicis, and sub-occipital muscles.

If you have been diagnosed with neck arthritis, you should seek treatment with an experienced manual therapist who will be able to treat your trigger points, and help you implement some self-help and lifestyle changes that will help you effectively manage the condition.